Hello Health World, goodbye raptor program

Itasca's working on a new plan for Spring Brook Nature Center, part of which involves Barrington-based Health World making Itasca its new home base.

The changes also call for the elimination of the nature center's raptor program, which was significantly cut back two years ago and costs about $100,000 annually.

Itasca and Health World officials are expected to sign a partnership agreement today.

"Not all of the details have been totally worked out," Itasca Village Administrator David Williams said Thursday. "We obviously would like it to move along as quickly as possible."

Residents should expect to see changes this summer.

The partnership calls for Health World and Itasca staff to temporarily share office space, possibly at the nature center. Eventually, the Health World organization would move to a permanent location in Itasca.

In return, Itasca would get some perks. They could use Health World's displays, which focus on healthy lifestyles and health education, at the nature center, schools and park district buildings at no cost.

"It's a great educational opportunity for people of all ages," Williams said.

The partnership idea originally was proposed to Itasca by Health World, officials said.

As for the nature center, village officials want to redirect its mission to be more focused on environmental education.

One new initiative includes the construction of a riverwalk along Spring Brook Creek. If built, the path will link Itasca's downtown to the nature center, library, water park and municipal complex. There also are plans to enhance the nature center's trail system and sled hill.

"We feel that the nature center has been underutilized, and we think this is a way to restart it and send it in a new direction," Williams said. "We're talking about retooling it and giving it a new face, a new identity."

Gail Grutzius, who volunteers at the nature center, says she's thrilled with the riverwalk plan. But she's upset about the elimination of raptor program.

"The raptor program is what brings people here," said Grutzius, a Wheaton resident. "It's the uniqueness in town. It brings people into the businesses. The children at the school just love this stuff."

But Williams said the nature center staff often took the birds of prey out of Itasca. Village officials would rather have something that brings people into town.

"I understand some people will be displeased with this," Williams said. "The raptor program served the village well for some time, but it has never been cost-effective."